OPM folk singer Coritha, who popularized the songs "Oras Na" and "Sierra Madre" in the 70s, has passed away. She was 73.

Chito Santos, partner of Coritha (whose real name is Socorro Avelino), confirmed her during an interview with broadcaster Julius Babao on Friday.  She passed away at 7:50 p.m. Friday. Chito recalled the final hours of the singer.

"Ilang oras naming siyang binantayan hanggang sa manghina na siya ng manghina. Ayoko na rin siyang magtagal dahil lalo na lang siyang nahihirapan," Chito told Julius.

"Mabuti ng ganito kesa nakikita kong nahihirapan s'ya. Sobrang hirap na eh. Ang payat payat na n'ya."

"Lumalaban siya. Tumigil na lang siya sa paghinga. Pero nakita ko hirap na hirap na s'ya. Hindi ko na kayang tiisin," he added.

The body of Coritha would be cremated, Chito said.

Dr. Digna Santos, brother of Chito, said they planned a public viewing for Coritha even for one day in Tagaytay. "Kung sino ang gustong pumunta. Siguro next week. Saturday or Sunday. Para ma-schedule na nila (ang pagpunta rito)."

Coritha had been bedridden after she suffered a stroke, reports said.

In 2018, Chito took the singer to his farm in Tagaytay after her home was burned.

In a report by ABS-CBN News in July, Chito updated Julis on the singer's health status. Chito and Coritha met during a concert in Escolta in the 80s.

"Ayos naman siya kaya lang hindi siya makapagsalita pero 'yung pakiramdam niya matalas

"Diabetic kasi siya eh. Tapos isang beses naiwan ko ang guyabano sa lamesa kinain niya 'yung dalawang malaki. Noong madaling araw... para siyang latang-lata at dinala ko sa hospital. 

"Noong makita ang CT scan marami na raw siyang atake na hindi lang napapansin.

"Nag-normal naman, 'yun lang hindi siya makapagsalita," Chito said.

Chito expressed his gratitude to those who supported Coritha during her final days.